Robust zero resistance in a superconducting high-entropy alloy at pressures up to 190 GPa.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29183981.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.1716981114 and PMC identifier 5740615.
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Abstract
We report the observation of extraordinarily robust zero-resistance superconductivity in the pressurized (TaNb)<sub>0.67</sub>(HfZrTi)<sub>0.33</sub> high-entropy alloy--a material with a body-centered-cubic crystal structure made from five randomly distributed transition-metal elements. The transition to superconductivity (<i>T</i><sub><i>C</i></sub> ) increases from an initial temperature of 7.7 K at ambient pressure to 10 K at ∼60 GPa, and then slowly decreases to 9 K by 190.6 GPa, a pressure that falls within that of the outer core of the earth. We infer that the continuous existence of the zero-resistance superconductivity from 1 atm up to such a high pressure requires a special combination of electronic and mechanical characteristics. This high-entropy alloy superconductor thus may have a bright future for applications under extreme conditions, and also poses a challenge for understanding the underlying quantum physics.